TTA Celebrates National Careers Week

This week, TTA are celebrating National Careers Week (NCW), an initiative of the Career Industry Council of Australia. NCW week aims to celebrate careers, career development and the expansion of knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about education, training, and work.

TTA has many National Squad athletes pursuing dual careers, who balance their elite table tennis careers alongside work and study. This NCW, we are shining the spotlight on four of our National Squad (Para) athletes who are in various stages of their dual career development.

Nathan Pellissier is combining his table tennis with a Master of Professional Accounting & Finance at Deakin University. Nathan states, “I have always loved working with numbers, and find it very interesting to see the new financial instruments having a huge impact on the world. This course allows me to further my knowledge in the field and develop skills to carry into my working career”.

Recently, Hayley Sands completed a Bachelor of Interior Architecture from the University of South Australia and has now entered the workforce in a full-time capacity. Hayley balanced her studies and table tennis for numerous years, noting “I learnt how to prioritise my time. Although both are important to me, if I had an assignment due study was my priority, if there was a tournament, table tennis was my priority.”

Similarly, Connor Holdback is making waves in the University sector, currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Adelaide, exploring biomechanics modelling: equipment optimisation for people with a disability. Connor has taken a unique path with his career, “I always gravitated towards maths and science in high school, which led me to enter into an honours degree at University (Mechatronics Engineering). After this, I worked in defence on the future submarine program for a few years before deciding to start my PhD.”

Finally, Yasir Hussaini is a prime example of dual career in action, as he has balanced table tennis and his role as a Senior Policy Officer in the Department in Health. Working full-time Yasir stated he finds a balance by keeping it in perspective, “It’s got a lot to do with how you perceive work and sport. I see table tennis as an outlet, a way of sweating out the sedentary life that is work. I enjoy the release of energy during training whether it be on table or in the gym. With this view, finding balance isn’t hard.”

When asked what advice they have for athletes considering pursing both sporting and professional goals through a dual career focus, Hussaini reflected, “I think it’s important to find enjoyment in the process of becoming a better athlete”. Sands offered encouragement to future dual career athletes, stating, “Go for it, there’s nothing stopping you from doing it! Once you figure out what’s important to you and what you want to achieve it will only make it easier.” Similarly, Holdback noted “you're not necessarily going to find the right path straight away.” Holdback also encourages patience, “It can be more challenging to balance sport and work, it may take you longer than your peers to progress in either one of those endeavours, but this shouldn't be disheartening as variety and challenge is the spice of life. Rushing through these early phases only leads you to away from these golden moments sooner. Don't be afraid to stretch this phase and enjoy doing it.”

Athletes who are ready to take the next step in their dual career development are encouraged to reach out to their Athlete Wellbeing & Engagement manager to discuss their next steps to utilise the Australian Institute of Sports Career Practitioner Network.

The Australian Institute of Sport will also be hosting a variety of events during National Careers Week – you can keep up to date here.